sheathe

[sheeth]

verb (used with object)

sheathed, sheathing 

1. to put (a sword, dagger, etc.) into a sheath.

2. to plunge (a sword, dagger, etc.) in something as if in a sheath.

3. to enclose in or as if in a casing or covering.

4. to cover or provide with a protective layer or sheathing.

   to sheathe a roof with copper.

5. to cover (a cable, electrical connector, etc.) with a metal sheath for grounding.

sheathe

/ ʃiːð /

verb

1. to insert (a knife, sword, etc) into a sheath

2. (esp of cats) to retract (the claws)

3. to surface with or encase in a sheath or sheathing

Other Word Forms

• sheather noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sheathe¹

1350–1400; Middle English shethen, derivative of sheath

Example Sentences

Her sword hangs, sheathed, by a strap on her back as she approaches.

Read more on Literature

“They cannot get away from me again!” he said, sheathing his knife.

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When they came upon the iron bars and the distinctive copper sheathing that was also mentioned in the documents they had studied, they knew they had found the São José.

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The central figure revealed his face a breath before the others, his right hand sheathed in a dazzling white glove.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"We strongly advise that you keep this tool concealed, sheathed, and out of sight in public places – preferably in a gardening bag or toolbox rather than on your belt," it added.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• encase